In the past couple of weeks, Semaphore SLSC’s Accessible Beaches program has improved the lives of three members of our community, Gene Chan, Addy Murray and Eric Cooper.

Gene Chan recently moved to the Semaphore area and has been able to gain access to the beach due to the facilities available through the club. Having a rare skin condition that is soothed by the salty sea, Gene hasn’t been to the beach or in the water for more than 10 years due to the loss of his right leg. Keep an eye out for Gene who said he is likely to be a regular on the beach after finding out about the club’s Accessibility Program.

Young Addy Murray and her family were relaxing at beachside Noonies Café, when they were asked by Patrol member and Inclusion Officer Kate Newman if they would like to be taken down to the beach. As Addy hadn’t been able to access the beach for 2 years, the family jumped at the chance to use the beach access matting provided by Port Adelaide Enfield Council!  Her family said that “We believe there should be more of these devices available in more locations as it is not always accessible for people or families with special needs.  It made our adventure to the beach much more enjoyable as we were able to go onto the beach and into the water, not stay on the designated footpath and watch from afar.”

Eric Cooper’s granddaughter Jessie was trying to find a way to have her Grandfather comfortably access the beach for his grandson’s ocean Baptism. After losing the use of his legs two years ago due to heart surgery complications, beach trips were off the table. Following a call to Semaphore SLSC, the club was able to support Eric to join his wife and family for his grandson’s very special occasion, the first time in two years Eric would be able to access the beach.

Community stories such as these are heartwarming. Semaphore SLSC is currently working with Charles Sturt Council to have a Beach ramp installed at Point Malcolm Reserve, replacing the current steps at the end of the boardwalk that restrict so many from gaining access.  This opens up the possibility of having beach matting the Club has purchased permanently available at the end of the ramp, hopefully allowing greater access for all.

What’s on at the club this week:

Thursday 2nd February   – Bar open from 5:00 pm with bistro open for meals from 6:00pm  – Club Draw $500.00

Friday 3rd February  – Bar open for drinks from 5:00 pm with bistro open for meals from 6:00 pm

Saturday 4th February – Nippers with Bar open for drinks from 1:00 pm until 8:00pm

Sunday 5th February  –  Bar open for drinks from 4:00 pm until 8:00pm

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Weekly Chef’s Specials for the 2nd and 3rd February 2023

Special 1 $24.00

Butter Chicken and fluffy basmati rice served with a pappadam 

Special 2 $28.00

Spaghetti Marinara, fresh seafood mix in a rose sauce served with garlic bread

Special 3 $36.50

Fresh SA King George Whiting 2 pc, either grilled, crumbed or beer battered served with a lightly dressed garden salad, hot chips, lemon wedge and tartare

What’s on at the club this week:

Thursday 26th January   – Bar open from 4:00 pm with bistro open for meals from 6:00pm 

 – Club Draw $450.00

Friday 27th January  – Bar open for drinks from 5:00 pm with bistro open for meals from 6:00 pm

Saturday 28th January  – Nippers with Bar open for drinks from 1:00 pm until 8:00pm

Sunday 29th January  –  Bar open for drinks from 4:00 pm until 8:00pm

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Weekly Chef’s Special for the 26th and 27th January 2023
Please note that there is only one special this week.

Special 1 – $31.00

1 pc. Fresh from the market Flathead fillet, either grilled, crumbed or beer battered, served with a lightly dressed garden salad, hot chips, lemon wedges and tartare.

Two public accessible Automated External Defibrillators (AED’s) have been installed at the Club, one by the front door and one by the door into the Rescue Ready Facility.  They are registered with SA Ambulance so if someone calls 000 they will be directed straight to assistance.

As qualified patrolling members are not at the club 24/7, the investment in public accessible AED’s was a good initiative to undertake and may just help save a life! The club was lucky enough to secure a grant through the RAA Grassroots Program to fund the purchase and installation. so a big thank you goes to RAA!

Let your friends and family know that the AED’s are there just in case an emergency arises.

A massive thank you to RAA for their great support!

Membership Structure Review Committee

The Board of Management (BOM) would like to put out a call out for members interested in being involved in a Sub-Committee tasked with undertaking a review of Semaphore SLSC’s current membership pricing structure.  The aim will be to put forward a proposal to the BOM on what changes should be made to the membership categories and associated pricing, if accepted, then these changes will be applied from the beginning of the 2023/24 season.  The brief from the BOM is quite open ended, with some of the issues to potentially be considered:

·       Potential for user pays structure around surf competition fees.

·       Membership categories, age groups, competition status, family membership, social membership etc.

·       Potential for considering volunteer activities in membership structure.

The committee would meet 2-3 times across Feb-Apr, with recommendation at end of April.  If you are interested in participating, then please send a message to club treasurer, Brad Clee, by email Treasurer@Semaphoreslsc.com.au